Strawberry Plant Named &#39;SB_14_028-025&#39;

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_028-025’. This new strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_028-025’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of West Central Florida, and is primarily characterized by its achenes typically set even with or just below the surface of the fruit, low vigor plant habit, high marketable yield, early time of first flower and fruit, and very large berry size.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Fragaria ananassa.

Variety denomination: ‘SB_14_028-025’

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct strawberry variety named ‘SB_14_028-025’. This new variety is a result of a controlled cross made in 2014 in an ongoing breeding program between the unreleased, unpatented strawberry breeding selection designated BG-8.3107′ as the seed (female) parent, and the unreleased, unpatented strawberry breeding selection designated ‘BG_10_140-086’ as the pollen (male) parent. The variety is botanically known as Fragaria ananassa.

The seedling resulting from the aforementioned cross was selected from a controlled breeding plot in Hillsborough County, Florida in the fall/winter of 2015-2016. After its selection, the new variety was asexually propagated by stolons in both Siskiyou County, California and San Joaquin County, California. The new variety was extensively tested over the next several years in fruiting fields in Hillsborough County, Florida. This propagation has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein as characterizing the new variety are fixed and remain true-to-type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

‘SB_14_028-025’ is primarily adapted to the climate and growing conditions of West Central Florida. The subtropical climate of West Central Florida provides the day length and moderate temperatures needed to produce an early yielding, vigorous plant and maintain fruit quality during the fall and winter production months.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics of ‘SB_14_028-025’, which in combination distinguish this strawberry plant as a new and distinct variety:

-   -   1. Achenes typically set even with or just below the surface of         the fruit;     -   2. Low vigor plant habit;     -   3. High marketable yield;     -   4. Early time of first flower and fruit; and     -   5. Very large berry size.

‘Florida Brilliance’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 30,564) is currently the dominant strawberry variety in Hillsborough County, Florida. The fruits of ‘SB_14_028-025’ are similar in shape and flavor to ‘Florida Brilliance’, but the fruits of ‘SB_14_028-025’ are deeper red and larger in size. The achenes of ‘Florida Brilliance’ are more sunken than those of ‘SB _14_028-025’ and its plant vigor is much greater. In side-by-side comparisons from the 2021-2022 season (Nov. 23, 2021 to Feb. 25, 2022) ‘SB_14_028-025’ compares with ‘Florida Brilliance’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 30,564) in the following combination of characteristics as described in Table 1.

TABLE 1 ‘Florida Brilliance’ Characteristic ‘SB_14_028-025’ (US PP30,564) November marketable 46 18 yield (gm/plt) Season marketable 906 818 yield (grm/plt) November average 26.8 27.4 berry size (gm) Season average 34.1 27.7 berry size (gm) Average runners/plant 0.1 5.5

For identification, a series of molecular markers have been determined for this new variety.

‘SB_14_028-025’ compares with its parents, ‘BG-8.3107’ and ‘BG_10_140-086’ by the following combination of characteristics as described in Tables 2 and 3.

TABLE 2 Characteristic ‘SB_14_028-025’ ‘BG-8.3107’ Fruit: size Very Large Large Fruit: High Low marketable yield Fruit: firmness Very firm Firm Fruit: seed position Slightly below to Even with even with surface surface

TABLE 3 Characteristic ‘SB_14_028-025’ ‘BG_10_140-086’ Fruit: size Very Large Very large Fruit: marketable yield High Medium Fruit: flavor score (1-5) Ranges 3.5 to 4 Ranges 2.5 to 3 Plant: vigor Low Medium

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying color photographs illustrate the overall appearance of typical specimens of the new strawberry variety ‘SB_14_028-025’ at various stages of development, as true as it is reasonably possible with color reproductions of this type. Color in the photographs may differ slightly from the color value cited in the botanical descriptions which accurately describe the color of ‘SB_14_028-025’. The depicted plant and plant parts of the new strawberry variety ‘SB_14_028-025’ are approximately four months old. The photographs were taken in Hillsborough County, Florida.

FIG. 1 shows typical fruiting field characteristics of ‘SB_14_028-025’, taken in the month of February 2022;

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of a typical plant of ‘SB_14_028-025’, taken in the month of February 2022;

FIG. 3 shows typical mature and immature field fruit of ‘SB_14_028-025’, taken in the month of February 2022; and

FIG. 4 shows typical internal and external mature fruit characteristics of ‘SB_14_028-025’, taken in the month of February 2022.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new variety ‘SB_14_028-025’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The characteristics of the new variety ‘SB_14_028-025’ may vary in detail, depending upon variations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature, humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type and location. In addition, the characteristics of any parental variety or comparison variety included in Table 1 of the present invention may vary in detail, depending upon variations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature, humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type and location.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the following description of the new variety ‘SB_14_028-025’, unless otherwise noted, are based on observations taken during the 2021-2022 growing season in Hillsborough County, Florida. These measurements and ratings were taken from plants of ‘SB_14_028-025’ dug from a high-elevation nursery located in Siskiyou County, California during mid-September 2021 and planted approximately four to five days later in Hillsborough County, Florida. The approximate age of the observed plants is four months. Yield observations including average weight and marketable yield, along with fruit quality characteristics including soluble solids, were measured during the 2021-2022 growing season. Flower measurements and characteristics are from secondary flowers unless otherwise noted. Fruit characteristics and measurements are from secondary fruit, unless otherwise noted.

Where noted, color terminology follows The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, London (2015).

The following characteristics describe fruit, plant, stolon, foliage, fruiting truss, flower, reproductive organs and pest and disease characteristics of the new strawberry ‘SB_14_028-025’.

-   Fruit characteristics:     -   -   Color of mature fruit.—RHS N34A (orange-red group).         -   Color of internal flesh (excluding core).—RHS 36D (red             group).         -   Color of core.—RHS 34C (orange-red group).         -   Average length (cm).—4.9.         -   Average width (cm).—4.0.         -   Size.—Very large.         -   Average length/width ratio.—1.2 (slightly longer than             broad).         -   Average calyx diameter (cm).—4.0.         -   Season average weight (gm).—34.1.         -   Achene color, shaded side.—RHS 164B (greyed-orange group).         -   Achene color, sun-exposed side.—RHS 163C (greyed-orange             group).         -   Average achene weight (mg).—<2.8.         -   Average achenes per berry.—355.         -   Average achene length (mm).—1.7.         -   Average achene width (mm).—0.9.         -   Season marketable yield (gm/plant).—906.         -   Predominant shape.—Conical.         -   Difference in shape between primary and secondary             fruit.—Ranges from moderate to large         -   Band without achenes.—Narrow.         -   Evenness of surface.—Mostly even.         -   Evenness of color.—Even.         -   Glossiness.—Strong.         -   Insertion of achenes.—Even.         -   Position of calyx attachment.—Inserted.         -   Attitude of sepals.—Outward/downward.         -   Size of calyx in relation to fruit diameter.—Same size.         -   Adherence of calyx (when fully ripe).—Strong.         -   Firmness of flesh (gf).—334.         -   Distribution of red color of the flesh.—Marginal and             central.         -   Hollow center expression.—Moderate.         -   Average cavity length (mm).—17.7.         -   Average cavity width (mm).—5.3.         -   Soluble solids (% Brix).—6.8.         -   Time of first flowering.—Early (early to mid-October in             Hillsborough County, Florida).         -   Flowering season.—October-February.         -   Time of first fruit.—Early (mid-November in Hillsborough             County, Florida).         -   Fruiting season.—November-March.         -   Post-harvest fruit longevity.—9-11 days if stored according             to industry standards.         -   Type of bearing.—Not remontant. -   Plant characteristics:     -   -   Average height (cm).—20.7.         -   Average spread (cm).—33.9.         -   Size.—Small.         -   Habit.—Upright.         -   Density.—Medium.         -   Vigor.—Low/medium. -   Stolon characteristics:     -   -   Color.—RHS 144C (yellow-green group).         -   Anthocyanin coloration.—RHS 176C (greyed-orange group).         -   Anthocyanin intensity.—Weak.         -   Pubescence.—Dense.         -   Attitude of hairs.—Outward.         -   Average quantity in nursery (per square foot).—6.9 (medium).         -   Average diameter at the bract (mm).—2.3 (medium).         -   Average length (cm).—32.25. -   Terminal leaflet characteristics:     -   -   Color of upper surface.—RHS 147A (yellow-green group).         -   Color of underside.—RHS 147B (yellow-green group).         -   Average length (cm).—8.1.         -   Average width (cm).—6.9.         -   Average area terminal (cm²).—55.9.         -   Average length/width ratio.—1.17 (longer than broad).         -   Shape of base.—Obtuse.         -   Margins (shape of teeth).—Obtuse.         -   Average serrations per leaf.—18.6. -   Foliage characteristics:     -   -   Color of upper surface.—RHS 147A (yellow-green group).         -   Color of underside.—RHS 1478B (yellow-green group).         -   Number of leaflets.—3.         -   Leaf size.—Medium to large.         -   Average length (cm).—11.25.         -   Average width (cm).—13.8.         -   Average area foliage (cm²).—155.25.         -   Shape in cross section.—Slightly concave.         -   Texture/interveinal blistering.—Light.         -   Leaf glossiness.—Medium.         -   Leaf variegation.—Absent.         -   Venation pattern.—Pinnate.         -   Apex descriptor.—Obtuse.         -   Secondary leaflet average length (cm).—7.5.         -   Secondary leaflet average width (cm).—7.15. -   Petiole characteristics:     -   -   Petiole color.—RHS 144B (yellow-green group).         -   Average length (cm).—11.7.         -   Average diameter (mm).—2.9.         -   Petiolule color.—RHS 144B (yellow-green group).         -   Petiolule average length (mm).—8.6.         -   Average petiolule diameter (mm).—1.8.         -   Attitude of hairs.—Strongly outward.         -   Texture.—Smooth.         -   Frequency of bract leaflets.—Ranges from 0 to 2 (70%             occurrence).         -   Size of bract leaflets.—Medium.         -   Pubescence.—Light. -   Stipule characteristics:     -   -   Color.—RHS 145A (yellow-green group).         -   Anthocyanin coloration.—RHS 182A (greyed-red group).         -   Anthocyanin intensity.—Mild.         -   Average length (mm).—33.3.         -   Average width (mm).—7.5.         -   Base descriptor.—Truncate.         -   Apex descriptor.—Obtuse.         -   Shape.—Triangular.         -   Margin.—Smooth.         -   Texture.—Smooth. -   Fruiting truss characteristics:     -   -   Anthocyanin coloration.—N/A.         -   Anthocyanin intensity.—N/A.         -   Pubescence.—Medium.         -   Secondary fruiting truss average length at maturity             (cm).—18.0.         -   Attitude at first pick.—Prostrate.         -   Position relative to foliage.—Ranges from level with to             below.         -   Flower quantity (average per plant season long).—31.9             (medium).         -   Average fruits per truss.—5.8.         -   Pedicel attitude of hairs.—Outward.         -   Average pedicel length (cm).—16.6.         -   Average pedicel diameter (mm).—1.9.         -   Pedicel texture.—Moderate.         -   Pedicel color.—RHS 144C (yellow-green group).         -   Average peduncle length (cm).—1.2.         -   Average peduncle diameter (mm).—3.9.         -   Peduncle texture.—N/A.         -   Peduncle color.—N/A. -   Flower characteristics:     -   -   Flower bud shape.—Pyriform.         -   Average flower bud length (mm).—17.8.         -   Average flower bud diameter (mm).—7.8.         -   Flower bud color.—RHS N144D (yellow-green group).         -   Flower depth (mm).—8.4.         -   Corolla (flower) average diameter (mm).—27.5 (ranges from             medium to large).         -   Upper petal color.—RHS N155C (white group).         -   Lower petal color.—RHS N155D (white group).         -   Petal shape.—Orbicular.         -   Petal apex descriptor.—Rounded.         -   Petal margin.—Smooth.         -   Petal base.—Decurrent.         -   Petal texture.—Smooth.         -   Petal average length (mm).—11.1.         -   Petal average width (mm).—10.2.         -   Petal average length/width ratio.—1.1 (as long as broad).         -   Average petals per flower.—6.2.         -   Relative position of petals (flowers with 5 or 6             petals).—Overlapping.         -   Upper sepal color.—RHS 137A (green group).         -   Lower sepal color.—RHS 137D (green group).         -   Sepal shape.—Cuneate.         -   Sepal apex descriptor.—Obtuse.         -   Sepal margin.—Serrate.         -   Sepal texture.—Smooth.         -   Sepal average length (mm).—17.6.         -   Sepal average width (mm).—7.0.         -   Sepal average length/width ratio.—2.5.         -   Average sepals per flower.—13.3.         -   Calyx average diameter (mm).—40.6.         -   Size of calyx relative to corolla.—Larger.         -   Size of inner calyx relative to outer calyx.—Smaller. -   Reproductive organs:     -   -   Receptacle color.—RHS 145A (yellow-green group).         -   Pollen color.—RHS 15A (yellow-orange group).         -   Stamen.—Present.         -   Average filament length (mm).—2.6.         -   Filament color.—RHS 145D (yellow-green group).         -   Average anther length (mm).—2.4.         -   Anther shape.—Ovoid.         -   Anther color.—RHS 15A (yellow-orange color).         -   Average pistils per flower.—355.         -   Pistil length (mm).—1 to 2.         -   Style length (mm).—0.5 to 1 mm.         -   Style color.—RHS 145C.         -   Stigma diameter (mm).—<0.1.         -   Stigma shape.—Simple.         -   Ovary color.—RHS 144A (yellow-green group).         -   Pollen amount.—Abundant. 

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_028-025’, as herein described and illustrated by the characteristics set forth above. 